Filled up and flavored with Asian serendipity

NEW YORK -- At first glance, the Pearl River Mart in SoHo might seem like a tourist trap. But step inside. You can easily spend hours lost among the odd, practical, and kitschy items sold at this colorful Asian-themed department store.

Recently expanded to three floors, Pearl River added another 10,000 square feet of every imaginable imported household item and accessory, from bamboo steamers, sushi bowls, and rice-paper lanterns to imported silk pajamas and kimono-style robes. In the lighting department, you will find glimmerings guaranteed to transform a room on the cheap. There is also a dry goods department and another with such staples as teas, cellophane noodles, and Thai fish sauce. Beaded satin slippers are a steal at $14.50.